Natural Detox Drinks You Can Make At Home

detox drinks

Unless you’re already living an extremely healthy lifestyle, there’s a good chance that your body could use a little help from time to time to rid itself of harmful toxins and substances. Our bodies do an incredible job of regulating themselves.

Between our lungs, liver, and kidneys, we’re able to rid most of the toxins from our bodies. However, there is still room for improvement, and these detox drinks can be a helpful way to boost your natural ability to detoxify. Best of all, you can these drinks at home, with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen!

Why Choose Detox Drinks

Detox drinks are easy to make, are healthy, and pack serious benefits that can boost your body’s natural ability to detoxify itself.

Signs of Toxic Overload

There are several different signs that your body may be suffering from toxic overload. These signs are our body’s way of telling us that we need to do a better job of regulating what we put into our bodies. It’s also our body’s way of signaling us that it may need help processing the toxins that are trapped in our bodies. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may be experiencing toxic overload.

  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy
  • Headaches
  • Skin Issues
  • Constipation, bloating and/or gas
  • Bad breath
  • White/yellow coloration on your tongue
  • Belly fat
  • Hot flashes

What Makes for A Good Detox?

What is a good detox drink? When it comes to these delicious drinks, there are several different properties that you should look for. The ingredients you choose should be rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Some of the most powerful detox drink ingredients are rich in antioxidants as well.

Beyond those properties, you can also look towards ingredients with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties as well. We’ll look at the best detox beverages in a little while.

Benefits of Detox Drinks

The detox benefits of these cleanse drinks are plentiful. Most obviously, they remove toxins from your body. In addition to that, they can also aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism and energy levels. Detox beverages can also reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin and increase mental alertness.

More than just one detox drink is a great way to cleanse your body of the toxins responsible for things like digestive issues, bloating, also constipation.Many detox drinks can be homemade and offer a variety of benefits in addition to detoxification.See a few of our favorite recipes for weight loss below.If detox drinks are not your thing, try a detox smoothie. We love this one from Ally’s Cooking because it contains delicious ingredients that naturally detox. Here’s how to make it:1 cup of spinach1 cup of unsweetened almond milk1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks1 banana1 tablespoon of chia seedsAdd to a blender until smooth. To make mixture less thick add more almond milk.Green Smoothie With Sea Buckthorn They are small orange colored berries that pack a serious amount of vitamins that are great for your body and skin. The vitamin C content in sea buckthorn can be up to 9 times more potent than in other citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.Your two primary detoxifying organs are the liver and the colon, and this seems to appeal to both of them at the same time. Lemons, limes, oranges, and tangerines all mix to give you all the vitamin C you could ask for, and to bombard your body with antioxidants as well.Cranberry Detox Smoothie – This delicious smoothie is made with just a few healthy ingredients that can work as a detoxifying meal substitute.The cranberries give you a lot of vitamins, fiber, and minerals for a healthy replacement.Detoxing is a process that elimanates toxins present in the bloodstream.While your body is perfectly capable of removing any waste products it doesn’t it doesn’t need, sometimes these substancesget stuck in your body.

Common Detox Ingredients

You’re bound to see hundreds of different ingredients in these drinks. They all tend to have some things in common. Usually, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants. Or, they’re rich in antibacterial, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ingredients.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a great ingredient for detox due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains lots of fiber, It’s a natural diuretic, which helps you to urinate more frequently and rid toxins from your body. It can also help regulate your body’s natural pH.

Cucumber

Like watermelon, cucumber is high in fiber, low in calories and comprised mostly of water. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins and minerals. Cucumber has long been one of the most popular detox drink ingredients.

Lemon

Lemons are a very hard working fruit when it comes to detox drinks. Lemons help your body to release enzymes which can convert toxins into a form that your body can release. Lemon can also help to balance your body’s pH, and lemon juice has been proven to possess about 20 anti-cancer causing compounds.

Lime

Lime provides similar benefits to lemons and is another popular ingredient in homemade detox drinks. It’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Limes also aid digestion, promote healthy skin and reduce your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Grapefruit

Like other citrus fruits, grapefruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Grapefruit also contains lycopene and limonoids which are powerful detoxifying phytonutrients. Grapefruit has also shown the ability to improve brain function, and it reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Raspberries

Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins and phytonutrients. These properties make raspberries a staple in many different cleansing drinks. Raspberries are also known to prevent macular degeneration which affects our eyesight as we get older.

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most popular ingredients in drinks for detox, and they’re also one of the most interesting. Technically, a strawberry isn’t a fruit; it’s a flower. Regardless of what a strawberry is, we know that they’re rich in vitamin C as well as many other vitamins and nutrients. They also possess tons of antioxidants.

Mint

Mint is a miracle of nature, with a laundry list of health benefits that are too numerous to list.  Mint is a natural stimulant, which helps increase the metabolism and stimulate weight loss. It also possesses antiseptic properties and is incredibly good for your skin. It also encourages proper digestion.

Ginger

Ginger may be the heavyweight champion of detox ingredients. It’s been prized for over 1,000 years for its incredible health properties. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, and it possesses anti-spasmodic effects as well. It aids in digestion and helps to rid the body of toxins by stimulating digestion and circulation.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another powerful ingredient that you’re likely to find in a home detox drink. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, and it also contains antibacterial properties as well. It aids digestion, circulation problems and liver congestion as well.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a popular detox ingredient because it’s a natural diuretic and laxative. It helps to increase the benefits of other ingredients as well. In addition to its detoxifying properties, dandelion can help stimulate the appetite, aid digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.  

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar packs vitamins, minerals, and enzymes and it is a staple in most cleanse diets. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria, aids in weight loss and possesses many other beneficial properties for your skin, blood pressure, and general well-being. Make sure to purchase raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, as many of its beneficial properties are lost in the filtering process.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is a heart healthy ingredient that’s popular for natural detox. It supports liver and kidney function, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and aids in digestion. Aloe Vera gel also works to balance blood pressure, and it can even reduce stress.

Natural Detox Drink Recipes

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most popular detoxifying drink ingredients let’s check out some recipes we can show you how to make detox drinks at home. These ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store; you may even have many of them in your kitchen already.

Cucumber Grapefruit Water

Cucumber and grapefruit come together in this delicious drink to provide you with a refreshing cocktail with plenty of detoxifying benefits. This drink helps to detoxify the body by flushing out toxins from your digestive track. It also helps burn fat!  To make this drink, you’ll need the following.

  • ½ gallon filtered water
  • ½ grapefruit
  • ½ cucumber
  • ½ lime
  • ½ lemon

First, you’ll want to slice all your ingredients. How thinly you slice them is a matter of preference. I prefer to slice my cucumber into ¼” thick slices, and I cut each half of citrus fruit into eight segments. Once you’ve sliced your ingredients, add them to ½ gallon of filtered water, and refrigerate for several hours. Once your drink is nice and cold and has had time for the flavors of the cucumber and citrus to steep into the water, it’s ready to drink! Try drinking a ½ gallon of this cucumber grapefruit water each day for maximum benefits.

Clementine Cinnamon Cilantro Detox Drink

This delicious drink packs plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and it’s a powerful and refreshing cleanser. Best of all, it’s delicious! To make this clementine cinnamon cilantro detox drink, you’ll need these ingredients:

  • ½ gallon filtered water
  • 1 clementine
  • ½ stick cinnamon
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro

First, slice your clementine into thin pieces or segments. Next, you’ll want to break your cinnamon stick into several smaller pieces. Add these two ingredients to your pitcher along with the fresh cilantro and refrigerate for several hours before drinking.

Apple Cinnamon Water

Apple cinnamon water is a classic detox drink that’s been a staple in health spas for years. It’s also very easy to make. Apples are very rich in vitamins B and C, as well as antioxidants. Cinnamon has been linked to reducing arthritis pain as well as lowering cholesterol.

  • ½ gallon filtered water
  • 1 apple of your choice
  • 1 stick cinnamon

Thinly slice your favorite variety of apple and add it to a pitcher. Next, break up a stick of cinnamon and add it as well. Fill the pitcher with water and refrigerate for several hours before enjoying.

Superfood Detox Smoothie

This detox smoothie is a delicious, nutritious treat that’s full of ingredients with detoxifying properties. It’s a bit more involved than the other drinks we’ve covered so far. But, your taste buds and your body will certainly reward you for your extra effort. This recipe requires a blender and the following ingredients.

  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 3 bananas
  • 1 orange
  • ½ of a grapefruit
  • 2 tsp chia or hemp seeds (optional)
  • 2 or 3 large handfuls of spinach or kale

Combine the water, fruits, and chia or hemp seeds into your blender and blend until smooth. Next, add your greens to the blender. I prefer spinach as it tastes milder and is packed with even more nutrients than kale. Then, blend all your ingredients once more If your smoothie is too thick, add more water.

If you’d prefer your smoothie thicker, add a few ice cubes and re-blend it. This smoothie makes four servings. Feel free to make your smoothie ahead of time to enjoy the next morning in place of breakfast.

Charcoal Black Lemonade

Charcoal black lemonade has quickly become one of the most popular detox beverages on the market. Not only does it look cool, but it packs in powerful detoxifying properties. Activated charcoal acts as a magnet for toxins within our bodies.

Charcoal latches onto free radicals and other toxic compounds and allows you to secrete those chemicals through your waste. This refreshing and easy to make drink is a great choice if you’re looking to detoxify.

Keep in mind that charcoal also latches only beneficial nutrients, vitamins, minerals and even medications in your body and removes though too. So, it’s best not to drink activated charcoal after a wholesome meal, or when you’re taking medications.

  • 2 cups filtered water
  • 2 activated charcoal capsules
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tsp sugar, agave or maple syrup

Add most of the water to a re-sealable container along with the juice of the entire lemon. Next, add a pinch of salt, and 2tsp of your favorite sweetener. In a separate container, mix the contents of the 2 charcoal capsules with the rest of the water and dump the charcoal water into your lemonade. Shake the mixture vigorously, then refrigerate for several hours before enjoying.

Love Your Greens Juice

This recipe packs in tons of delicious and nutritious greens with a bit of tartness from the lemon. Feel free to tailor this recipe to your individual tastes. Popular add-ons include fresh ginger, chia seeds or apples. Keep in mind; you’re going to need a juicer for this recipe. If you don’t have a juicer, you can make it in your blender as well; you just may need to add a bit of water.

  • 4 cups spinach
  • ½ head of collard greens
  • 1 large cucumber
  • ½ bunch parsley
  • ½ bunch cilantro
  • Juice of ½ a lemon

Combine all your green ingredients into your juicer. Once you’ve juiced the ingredients, add the lemon juice and stir. This recipe makes 2 large servings.

Orange Carrot Ginger Juice

This juice provides a powerful boost to your immune system while also providing you with some beneficial detoxifying properties thanks to the addition of ginger and carrots. This drink is another one that will require a juicer. But, a blender should work just fine in a pinch, just add some water.

  • 1 cup carrots
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large orange, peeled and sectioned
  • 1 1″ long piece of ginger

Add the carrots, ginger, and orange to your juicer. Next, add the lemon juice. Refrigerate your juice for a few hours, or add ice and enjoy.

Cucumber Lemon Water

Cucumber lemon water is a delicious and refreshing cooler that’s been a staple at spas for years. It’s always a crowd pleaser at barbecues and parties as well, and it’s very easy to make.

  • ½ gallon filtered water
  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 lemon

Slice the cucumber and lemon into ¼” sections and add to a large pitcher. Next, add the filtered water and refrigerate for several hours.

Ginger Lemon Water

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this ginger lemon water makes a delicious detoxifying drink. It’s slightly more involved than some of the other infused water recipes on this list, but its delicious taste makes it well worth the extra effort.

  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 2 1” piece of ginger
  • 1 large lemon
  • 4 tsp honey

Bring the water to a boil. While the water is heating, peel your ginger and slice it into thin pieces. Next, slice your lemon into ¼”-½” thick slices. Once the water has boiled, add all of your ingredients to a large pitcher, and dump in the boiling water. You don’t have to use boiling water for this recipe, but it will help to unlock the delicious flavor of the ginger.

Apple Cider Vinegar Water

Raw apple cider vinegar boasts a wide range of different health benefits. Best of all, ACV can help detoxify your liver. This drink is extremely easy to make, and it’s great for you also. Just add a tablespoon full of apple cider vinegar to a large glass of water and enjoy!

Strawberry Smoothie

This delicious smoothie is so tasty; it’s easy to forget that it also packs beneficial detoxifying properties as well. This smoothie is a powerful antioxidant that’s also rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients as well.

  • ½ cup coconut water
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 handful spinach
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup ice

Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them into manageable chunks. Add the strawberries and your other ingredients into a blender and blend until you’ve achieved a small consistency. Be sure to enjoy this delicious drink right away.

Kale Smoothie

This kale smoothie is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of kale and ginger. Not only does this smoothie pack tons of flavor, but it also has the nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants you’ll need to fight toxins.

  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 2 handfuls of kale
  • 1 banana
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 1 1” long piece of ginger
  • Honey or agave syrup to taste (optional)

Clean your ginger and slice it into thin pieces. Add your fruits and vegetables to the blender. Next, add the coconut water and blend. For a sweeter drink, add a bit of honey or agave syrup.

Ayurveda Detoxifying Tea

This powerful detox tea is like a knight in shining armor for your body. Not only is it a delicious way to start your morning, but it also helps rid the body of toxins while also providing a boost to your metabolism.

  • 1 Quart boiling water
  • 1 ½” piece of ginger
  • 1 ½” piece of turmeric (or 2tsp ground)
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds or fennel pollen
  • 2 teabags of your choice

A French press is helpful for this recipe. But, if you don’t have one, just make your tea in a pot and then strain all the solids out when you pour it into your cup. First, clean your ginger and turmeric and slice it thin. Add the ginger, turmeric, and other ingredients to your boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain your tea and enjoy!

Berry Beet Smoothie

This delicious smoothie is one of the tastiest drinks on the menu, and it’s also beautiful to look at! This drink harnesses the power of beets, berries, and citrus to provide your body with a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 cup berries (mixed or blueberry work best)
  • ½ cup raw diced beets
  • ¼ cup non-fat yogurt
  • Honey or agave syrup to taste (optional)
  • 2-4 ice cubes

Dice your beets and add them to a blender along with the berries and yogurt. Add the orange juice and ice.Blend until you’ve achieved the consistency you want. Add honey or agave for a bit more sweetness if you like.

Weight Loss Detox Drink

This powerful weight loss drink is a great option for those of us looking to jump start our metabolism while also detoxing our system. It’s easy to make and delicious.

  • 12 oz. filtered water
  • 2 tbsp. unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • ½ stick cinnamon
  • ½ apple

Slice your favorite apple thinly, and add it to a large glass. Next, break the stick of cinnamon and add it to your glass. Add the rest of ingredients, and refrigerate for a few hours before enjoying.

Salt Water Cleanse

The salt water cleanse aka the master cleanse has been a lifesaver for many years. If you’re suffering from constipation, or just looking for a fast and effective cleanse, this may be the drink for you. It’s not very glamourous (or tasty), but it certainly does the trick.

  • 32 oz. filtered water
  • 2 tbsp. sea salt
  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Start by heating the water. You want the water to be warm, but not hot. Once you’ve heated the water, add 2 tbsp. or more of sea salt. Whichever type of sea salt you like is fine, just be sure to avoid anything that’s iodized. Finally, add the lemon juice. Transfer the mixture into a large cup or pitcher with a lid and shake vigorously. Enjoy right away.

Pomegranate Pineapple Lemon Juice

This drink is one of our favorites. Not only does it pack plenty of detox power, but it’s also delicious and doesn’t require a blender! Just add your ingredients together, and you’re good to go.

  • 6 oz. pineapple juice, unsweetened
  • 8 oz. pomegranate juice, unsweetened
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 24 oz. filtered water

Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate for several hours or serve over ice.

Iced Turmeric Green Tea

This refreshing green tea is full of powerful ingredients that will fight the toxins in your body. It can be served hot, but it’s even more delicious over ice.

  • 1 1” piece of ginger
  • 1 1” piece of turmeric, or 2tsp. ground turmeric
  • 2 green tea bags
  • 3 tbsp. Honey
  • 12 oz. boiling water

Slice the ginger and turmeric into thin pieces and add to a large glass or pitcher. Add the boiling water, tea bags, and honey. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy hot, or serve over ice.

Cactus Smoothie

Cactus may seem like an intimidating ingredient to work with. But, not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also the delicious star of this powerful detox smoothie.

  • 1 ½ cactus leaves
  • 1 banana
  • 12 oz. fresh pineapple
  • 1 cup of almond or cashew milk
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • ¼ cup aloe vera drink

First, you’ll want to remove the needles from the cactus. With a dish scrubber or a dull knife, scrub the needles off the cactus by moving in the opposite direction that the needles are growing.

Once you’ve removed the needles, cut the cactus leaves into manageable chunks and add to the blender. Chop your pineapple and banana into smaller pieces and add those, as well. Finally, add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

Real Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a tasty and nutritious addition to any detox diet. But, the cranberry juice that’s typically available is packed with sugar and made from concentrate. Unfortunately, many of the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants are removed in processing.

Instead, look for cold-pressed pure cranberry juice made from 100% juice. Not only does it taste even better, but it’s even better for you!

Cabbage Juice

It may not be the tastiest juice on the menu, but cabbage juice is full of important vitamins, nutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Cabbage juice has shown to be an effective addition to detox diets, and it’s great for your blood as well.

  • 1 whole cabbage, chopped
  • 8 oz. of carrot, apple or cranberry juice (optional)
  • 2 oz. lemon juice (optional)

When shopping for cabbage, choose the smallest cabbage possible as these tend to be sweeter and more palatable. Purple cabbage is best for detox purposes, but green cabbage packs plenty of punch as well. If you find raw cabbage juice to be unpalatable, feel free to dilute it in a 50:50 ratio with another juice, like carrot, apple or lemon juice.

Detox Drink Tips

  • For detox waters, you may want to invest in a pitcher designed to infuse the flavor of your fruits or vegetables in water. They’re available for $10-20, and it makes enjoying your favorite detox waters even easier.
  • At first, some of these drinks that contain fresh vegetable juices may not seem like the tastiest. Feel free to add your favorite sweetener to these drinks until you get used to the flavor of the vegetable juice.
  • Many of these recipes make 3-4 servings. Feel free to share them with friends and family, or portion them out for you to enjoy throughout the week.